In today’s digital era, young people live surrounded by carefully constructed images. These promise glamour, success and flawless beauty. Social media platforms are no longer just tools for communication; they have evolved into stages where everyone performs an idealised version of life. This performance culture has deeply impacted how teenagers perceive themselves and the world around them.
Adolescents are in a vulnerable phase of identity formation. Yet, their sense of self is increasingly shaped not by real experiences but by the edited lives of others. When teenagers constantly encounter polished pictures, luxury lifestyles and perfectly posed smiles, they begin to measure their own lives against these unattainable standards. The result is a quiet, growing crisis: feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and the constant sense of “not being enough”.
What’s most troubling is the subtlety of this influence. The illusion of perfection is rarely questioned. It is, rather, consumed passively. A simple image of someone on vacation, dressed immaculately or receiving public praise may look harmless. But to the adolescent mind, these images often translate into pressure — to be better looking, more successful or more admired.
Rather than fostering connection, this digital environment often isolates. Teenagers may find themselves pretending to be someone they’re not, posting content they don’t believe in, just to fit in. The need for approval through likes and comments has replaced the more meaningful pursuit of self-understanding and self-worth.
To counter this, we need honest conversations at home, critical thinking in classrooms and responsible behaviour from content creators.
Teens must be reminded that real life is not a performance, and that value doesn’t come from virtual applause. Authenticity should be celebrated, not concealed.
True self-esteem grows when young people learn to accept who they are — without filters, without comparison. Only then can they step out of the shadows and see themselves clearly.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
